PAAU ITRC WARNS PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AGAINST ADMISSION SCAMS AND UNAUTHORISED PAYMENTS

The Information Technology and Resource Centre (ITRC) of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has warned prospective students, parents, and guardians against fraudulent admission and registration activities allegedly being carried out in the name of the university.

In a statement issued by the Director of ITRC, C.itp Rock Adeiza Ezekiel, the centre clarified that claims involving individuals collecting ₦50,000, ₦55,000, or other unauthorised amounts for registration, admission processing, and related services do not represent authorised ITRC registration activities.

The centre dissociated itself from unauthorised money collection, fraudulent registration arrangements, misleading admission promises, and unofficial payment demands made in the name of the university or the ITRC.

Prospective students were advised to exercise caution and complete their admission and registration processes through recognised university channels.

Common Admission Scams Prospective Students Should Avoid

The ITRC highlighted several fraudulent practices applicants should watch out for during the admission and registration process.

1. Fake WhatsApp and Telegram Groups

Fraudsters may create groups with names such as “PAAU Aspirants,” “PAAU Admission Updates,” or “PAAU Freshers” to gain applicants' trust and demand money for unofficial services.

Applicants should verify the authenticity of such groups before relying on information shared in them.

2. Inflated Registration Charges

Some individuals may demand ₦50,000, ₦55,000, or other amounts that exceed the applicable charges displayed on the university's official portal.

Applicants are advised to confirm approved fees before making any payment.

3. Fake Admission Processing Fees

Scammers may request money for admission assistance, screening, clearance, course registration, or other services without proper authorisation.

Students should confirm that any payment request is legitimate before proceeding.

4. False Promises of Admission

Applicants should be wary of individuals who promise guaranteed admission, claim they can influence admission officers, or offer to place candidates' names on an admission list in exchange for money.

Admission information should be verified through official university announcements.

5. Fake Receipts and Payment Confirmations

Fraudsters may use edited receipts, fabricated transaction alerts, or false payment confirmations to convince applicants that their registration has been completed.

Students should verify payments through the university's recognised payment channels rather than relying solely on screenshots or receipts supplied by third parties.

6. Pressure and Intimidation Tactics

Some scammers may claim that an admission offer will expire within minutes or that a candidate's admission will be cancelled unless immediate payment is made.

Applicants are advised not to allow pressure or fear to prevent them from verifying payment requests.

7. Impersonation of University Officials

Fraudsters may use the names, photographs, titles, logos, or identities of university officials, ITRC personnel, Students' Union Government (SUG) executives, or student representatives to make their demands appear genuine.

Applicants should independently confirm the identity and authority of anyone requesting payment.

8. Fake Registration Agents

Students should also be cautious of individuals who claim to be authorised registration agents or intermediaries but cannot provide verifiable approval from the university.

The ITRC stressed that claims of affiliation alone do not establish authority to collect money on behalf of PAAU.

ITRC Advises Applicants on Safe Registration

The centre encouraged prospective students to use recognised ITRC facilities and authorised university registration channels, where applicable, to ensure a safe and properly guided registration process.

Applicants are advised to:

• Verify all approved charges through the official university portal before making payments.
  • Use only recognised university payment channels.
  • Contact the ITRC through verified official contact channels when uncertain about registration procedures.
  • Avoid paying individuals solely because they belong to an aspirants' group or promise faster registration.
  • Keep receipts and transaction references for legitimate payments.
  • Confirm admission and registration updates through official university announcements.
  • Report suspicious payment requests, impersonation, fake groups, and suspected fraud to the appropriate university authorities.

The centre emphasised that membership of a WhatsApp group, possession of university-branded materials, or claims of knowing a university official do not prove that an individual is authorised to collect money.

ITRC Calls for Collective Responsibility

The ITRC reiterated its commitment to protecting the reputation of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and preventing prospective students from being misled or exploited during the admission and registration process.

Students, parents, and guardians were also encouraged to share verified information rather than rumours and to report suspected scams with relevant evidence, including payment receipts, account details, telephone numbers, and screenshots of suspicious messages.

The centre stated that these measures would help protect applicants, promote transparency, and preserve the institution's reputation.

Official Warning to Prospective Students

The ITRC's central message to applicants is clear: verify every payment request before sending money.

Do not pay anyone for admission assistance or registration services without confirming their authorisation through the university's recognised channels.

The statement was issued by *C.itp Rock Adeiza Ezekiel, Director, Information Technology and Resource Cen